A Vancouver man whose goal is to bolster the middle class and create jobs in Southwest Washington said he believes he has what it takes to oust state Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver.
Democratic candidate Richard McCluskey, 63, might be taking his first stab at running for elected office, but he said the 17th District would be better served with him in Olympia.
“The incumbent is all about no government,” McCluskey said. “He’s so proud of pushing the ‘no’ button. There is vital work that needs to be done to benefit Clark County, Washington state, my neighbors, friends and family.”
McCluskey is a field service technician who repairs gas station equipment. He’s recently widowed and said he has grown frustrated with watching his community drive across the Columbia River for work.
“Tens of thousands every day have to cross the river to make a decent living,” McCluskey said. “People should have the opportunity to work close to home. It’s so much better to spend that time with their families.”
If elected, his first priority would be improving child well-being, which he believes is linked to several different issues, including funding education and creating more living-wage job opportunities close to home.
He likes the idea of creating some type of state-backed bank or public-private partnerships that would help businesses create jobs locally.
He also said he would work to funnel transportation dollars back into the county.
“Our roads and bridges are in desperate need of repair and in some cases, some are quite dangerous,” he said.
Harris is seeking re-election to the 17th District state House seat. Libertarian Chris Rockhold also is running for the seat.
“While many might enter such a race out of pride or hubris, I enter the race with the goal of representing my friends, family and neighbors,” McCluskey said. “I do this because I wish to serve my community, and I hope my community backs me in this effort.”
Morning Briefing Newsletter
Get a rundown of the latest local and regional news every Mon-Fri morning.
